Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Thursday, July 23.
Havertz’s ‘dream’ is Madrid
Kai Havertz is edging closer to a move to Chelsea despite it being his dream to represent Real Madrid.
The Blues appear to be the only club willing to pay Bayer Leverkusen’s £72million asking price for their star man.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich had previously been linked with Havertz, but Chelsea are now in pole position to sign him.
However, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Germany international would have preferred a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"It looks like Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen," he said on The Ornstein and Chapman Podcast.
“The 21 year-old attacker is keen to move to Stamford Bridge after holding some talks with Frank Lampard.
"It's been described to me that it's always been his dream to represent Real Madrid, but we know that these things don't always work out how you plan.”
Chelsea must pay full price for Oblak
Chelsea will not be able to sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak unless they meet his release clause, according to Marca.
Lampard is reportedly keen to sign a new shot-stopper this summer having failed to be convinced by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Oblak is widely considered one of the world’s best goalkeepers and would be an upgrade between the sticks for the Blues.
However, the Spanish outlet reports Atletico will not be “moving a milimetre” from his €120million (£109.4million) price tag.
That is the value of Oblak’s release clause and Diego Simeone’s side are not willing to entertain any offers below that fee.
Chelsea will therefore have to once again break the world-record fee for a goalkeeper if they want to land the Slovenia international.
Giroud rebuffs Inter speculation
Olivier Giroud has denied speculation that he could join Inter this summer.
Antonio Conte signed the France international from Arsenal during his time at Stamford Bridge and is now reportedly keen to bring him to Italy.
However, Giroud says his future is in the Premier League despite admitting he wanted to leave in January.
“The first half of the season was tough if I’m honest. That is why I wanted to leave in January. I was no longer happy, but Lampard wanted to see me and showed his trust in me,” Giroud told Infosport, via Sempre Inter.
“I try to repay him on the field and this has happened quite often since mid-February. When I am a starter, I am often decisive. I have never thought for a second about stopping.
“As long as I can give the team something, I will continue for several years. Now my short and long term future is in England. You know that in football everything goes very fast and you never know but I see myself here.”
